Thai Hostages Freed After Nearly 500 Days in Gaza

Five Thai farm workers, held hostage in Gaza for nearly 500 days since the October 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel, were finally released and are now on their way to reunite with their families. The emotional toll on their loved ones was profound, with tears of joy marking their long-awaited return.

Five Thai farm workers are finally free after being held hostage for almost 500 days in Gaza. The men were abducted during the Hamas attacks on Israel on 7 October 2023. Their release came amid a chaotic scene, as they were handed over to the Red Cross alongside two Israeli hostages.

The hostages — Pongsak Thaenna, Sathian Suwannakham, Watchara Sriaoun, Bannawat Saethao, and Surasak Lamnao — had been working on farms in southern Israel at the time of the kidnapping. Thailand's prime minister expressed her joy on social media, affirming the government’s commitment to reuniting them with their families. Amidst the celebrations, one Thai hostage remains unaccounted for, spurring hopes for his safe return.

For the families, the news was overwhelming. Wilas Thaenna expressed deep emotion upon learning that his son Pongsak had been released, stating he never thought the day would come. "I was so excited at the prospect of my son being released," the 65-year-old wept, recalling the distress and anxiety of the long wait.

Similarly, Wiwwaew Sriaoun, mother of released hostage Watchara, described her mixed feelings of hope and despair throughout the ordeal. “All of Watchara's relatives have come to my home,” she said, anxious to welcome him back. The emotional reunion was something they had all longed for.

Sirinna Suwannakham, sister of freed hostage Sathian, emphasized their steadfast belief in her brother’s survival: “If he had died, we would have had a body.” Their faith kept her family going despite the uncertainty.

After their release, the men were taken to a hospital in Israel to ensure their health and well-being. The Thai government's records suggest that thirty-one workers were taken hostage during the October attacks, with the majority released in November 2023. The outcome for the final hostages remains dire, as it is feared that some of them may not be alive.

The release of these hostages was part of a separate agreement between Hamas and the Thai government, rather than a result of the ceasefire deal established between Israel and Hamas earlier this year. The emotional homecoming of the Thai workers highlights the toll of the ongoing conflict, particularly for Thailand, which has a significant diaspora working in Israel as farm laborers.